Rachael’s bid to take title

A young teacher is celebrating after clinching a place in the final of a national beauty competition.

Rachael Foster, of Dronfield, saw off competitive opposition to gain a place in this week’s final of the Miss England contest.

The 22-year-old, a cover teacher at Tapton Secondary School, will go up against 59 other girls hoping to take the crown for the country and represent England in Miss World, in Inner Mongolia, next month.

Ambitious Rachael said: “I’m incredibly excited.

“I just can’t believe I’ve made it this far in the competition.

“Before, I didn’t have enough confidence to enter something like this but this year I just thought ‘go for it’.

“Everyone has been so supportive.”

Rachael – who is hoping to study to become a paediatric dietician – must impress a panel of judges throughout the four-day final, which starts in Leicester on Saturday.

She will be expected to perform a series of tasks including a catwalk .

The winner will be crowned next Tuesday.

Rachael said: “I would love to clinch the title of Miss England, as it would be an incredible honour to represent my fantastic country.

“All the other girls are really nice but I hope I can win this and go on to represent England in Miss World.